1000 years of Thang Long

Hanoi plans park for 1,000 year-old Thang Long Citadel

The Hanoi People's Committeeon Aug. 1 unveiled a master plan on
preserving the site of the ancient Thang Long Imperial Citadel and
developing part of the area into a culture and history park.

The Imperial Citadel zone, located in the city's Ba Dinh district,
includes an archaeological site at 18 Hoang Dieu Street , and a
wider area that was once part of the citadel's grounds.

The plan aims to preserve the archaeological site and develop part of
the citadel area into a park that will showcase the value of the relics
and the site's 1,000-year-old history.

The citadel's
central sector was recognised by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in
2010. The ancient site is also located in modern-day Hanoi 's
political centre, and is situated next to the site of the new National
Assembly House, which is still under construction.

According to the master plan, the citadel zone will cover a total area
of 45,380sq.m, including 13,670sq.m and 3,440sq.m showrooms used to
display archaeological finds and a miniature replica of the ancient
citadel. Up to 21,200sq.m will be reserved for parks and green space,
while research and excavation will continue on the 6,800sq.m
archaeological site.

"The site plays a key role in
preserving the glorious values of our nation," said the Hanoi People's
Committee vice chairwoman Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc at a ceremony to
publicise the master plan.

"Thus, it is the responsibility of Hanoians as well as the people across the nation to help preserve the site."

Ngoc said the key tasks in the coming time are to select the best
architectural plan for the zone, complete regulations as well as
specific plans for investment, management, and preservation by the end
of the year, and continue archaeological research at the site while
ensuring it is open to visitors.

The plan also aims to
ensure preservation of artefacts and relics found at the site while also
respecting the area's intangible cultural values. This work will
include maintaining architectural harmony with existing structures and
Ba Dinh Square .

The plan will also see part of the
archaeological digs at the site turned into showrooms that will house
relics in an environment that will ensure the best humidity and
temperature for preservation. It is noted that the maximum height of
newly built structures at the 18 Hoang Dieu Street site will not
exceed 5m, and buildings in general will be limited.

There
will be four entrances to the site from Hoang Dieu, Doc Lap, Hoang Van
Thu and Bac Son streets, with the main entrance at the corner of Hoang
Dieu and Bac Son streets. There will be two main walkways and paths
connecting sightseeing areas.

A tunnel will be
built across Hoang Dieu Street to connect the archaeological site
with the old citadel area. These constructions will help ensure
comprehensive and smooth tours for visitors and create a link between
the 18 Hoang Dieu Street site and the National Assembly House and
the citadel.

"We will have lots of work to do in order to
complete the project by the time construction of the National Assembly
House is set to be completed in late 2013. Thus, we need to do all-out
in our efforts," said deputy minister of construction Nguyen Dinh Toan.-VNA